83: Chapter 83, First Round Ends

Two days and one night of intense competition and countless soul-stirring duels finally came to a close as the last rays of sunlight faded.

"Dong—! Dong—! Dong—!"

The bells and drums around the arena rang out once more, their heavy and distant sounds echoing throughout the entire city.

As the sound gradually subsided, the Purple-robed Elder flew to the center of the square once again.

The elder's gaze was calm as he scanned the hundreds of thousands of spectators, then looked at the arenas on the square and the twenty figures standing there. His voice, carrying powerful spirit energy, rang out and spread across the entire venue.

"The first round of the Heavenly Pride Competition, the Arena Defense Match, has officially ended!"

In the next second, hundreds of thousands of spectators rose in unison, their applause and cheers continuous, echoing over the Royal Capital.

Over the past two days and one night, they had witnessed countless spectacular duels, seen the fierce battles between Fourth Rank Late Stage Prodigies, and watched dark horses emerge. Every battle was gripping, and at this moment, everyone cheered from the bottom of their hearts.

The Purple-robed Elder raised his hand and pressed down slightly, signaling for silence. Once the arena returned to tranquility, he spoke again.

"First, on behalf of the Great Qi Imperial Family, I would like to thank all the participating Prodigies. Your hard work over these past two days has brought us one brilliant duel after another!"

As his words fell, another wave of rhythmic applause rang out across the arena.

The elder nodded slightly and continued:

"First is Arena No. 1. During these two days, relying solely on his Aura and reputation, he intimidated many Prodigies. He advanced directly to the second round without fighting a single match. He is none other than the Third Prince of Great Qi, His Highness Third Prince Duan Chengyu."

...

One Prodigy's name after another was read out by the Purple-robed Elder.

Every time a name was announced, a burst of cheers would erupt from the arena. The entire announcement process lasted for the duration of a full incense stick.

Of the seven high-profile Prodigies at the Fourth Rank Late Stage or above before the competition, all advanced except for Yan Jinghong, who was heavily injured and eliminated by Lin Qing.

This included Li Muyao, who had lost to Yan Jinghong at the beginning, and Jiang Yuewu, who had previously conceded to the Third Prince.

Sun Shaoping naturally advanced as well. Aside from Third Prince Third Prince Duan Chengyu, who hadn't fought a single match, Sun Shaoping was the most relaxed.

Prodigies of the same level at the Fourth Rank Late Stage would try their best to avoid meeting each other too early. Therefore, in the entire first round, only three battles took place between opponents who were both at the Fourth Rank Late Stage or above.

Facing those Fourth Rank Middle Stage challengers, Sun Shaoping handled them with ease using his Heaven Rank Movement Technique at the Major Achievement level; no one could even touch the corner of his clothes.

Even though Lin Qing had forcefully eliminated two Fourth Rank Late Stage Prodigies in the first round, the final list of qualifiers still included as many as twelve people with a cultivation of Fourth Rank Late Stage or above, including Lin Qing.

Only eight seats remained for the Fourth Rank Middle Stage Disciples to divide amongst themselves, and Xing Mian was one of them.

On the Luoxia Valley spectator stand, Sect Master Shen Yurong and the others had bright smiles on their faces, unable to hide their joy.

As a mid-tier power, having two people break into the top twenty was a feat. Not to mention comparing with other mid-tier powers, their results were even more dazzling than some top-tier powers.

Indeed, this referred to the Qiushan Sect. Yan Jinghong, whom they had high hopes for, was eliminated, and another Fourth Rank Late Stage Disciple sent to Songyun Temple was also eliminated by Lin Qing. In the end, only one Fourth Rank Middle Stage Disciple managed to squeeze into the top twenty, relying on the foundation of a top-tier power.

Below the arena, Yun Nian's injuries had mostly healed after a day and night of regulating her breath and recuperating. Although she wasn't fully recovered, she could move freely and was out of danger.

Looking at Lin Qing and Xing Mian standing on the arena, a sincere smile appeared on Yun Nian's face, and the humiliation from yesterday was swept away.

The people from Luoxia Valley did not return to their residence immediately. Sect Master Shen Yurong waved her hand and took Lin Qing and the others to a luxurious restaurant for a grand celebration.

Sitting in the seat of honor, Sect Master Shen Yurong looked at the group of vibrant Disciples before her, feeling deeply gratified. She bestowed rewards on the spot.

"Lin Qing, Xing Mian!"

The two immediately put down their wine cups, stood up, and bowed respectfully.

Sect Master Shen Yurong spoke with a smile:

"In this competition, the two of you have advanced to the top twenty, creating an unprecedented glorious achievement for our Luoxia Valley. I reward each of you with five hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Five hundred Spirit Stones was quite a significant amount."

One must know that even a Fifth Rank Disciple of the Xuanye Demon Court only carried about three thousand Spirit Stones with them.

Sect Master Shen Yurong did not forget Yun Nian and the other two. Although they failed to advance, she still rewarded each of them with two hundred Spirit Stones.

While the people from Luoxia Valley were gathered happily together.

Within the Royal Capital, in the same inn and the same room as before, Fang Chao sat in the same position.

The man in black beside him bowed and said:

"Senior Brother Fang Chao, looking at the current situation, that Disciple named Lin Qing is the most suspicious. Should we..."

At this point, a ruthless glint flashed in the black-clothed man's eyes, and he made a throat-slitting gesture with his hand.

Fang Chao slowly picked up the teacup in front of him, took a light sip, looked out the window at the bustling night view of the Royal Capital, and said flatly:

"No rush. This is the Royal Capital of Da Qi, where there are many Sixth Rank experts. If we act rashly and are discovered by them, even I wouldn't be certain of escaping unscathed."

"It won't be too late to act after the Heavenly Pride Competition ends!"